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here’s never a shortage of things to do in Amsterdam. With our complete guide to unmissable experiences, you can explore the must-see attractions, delve into Amsterdam’s history and make the most of the city all year around. Take in an exhibition at a famous museum, relax in one of the parks or go on a canal cruise. If you don’t know where to start, check out our suggested itineraries for ideas of what to do over one or two days in the city. And don’t miss ticking off the top 20 things to do in Amsterdam!

Want to skip the lines and get ahead? Book your tickets online for Amsterdam’s major museums and attractions.

Bars in Amsterdam: From brown cafés to cocktail chic

For a taste of authentic Amsterdam bar culture, head to one of the city’s many ‘brown cafés‘; so-called because of their nicotine stained walls and cosy wooden décor. Here you’ll find good Dutch beer, locally distilled (often on-site) jenever and a warm welcome in historic surroundings. Serious beer fans are also well catered for in Amsterdam thanks to a plethora of microbreweries and tasting rooms dotted around the city. Read our guide to the top 10 speciality beer bars in Amsterdam. 

The Amsterdam Area lies north of the Randstad and encompasses the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland. Whether you’re drawn to the relaxed lifestyle of a beachside dwelling, a quaint Dutch village with windmills in the distance or city bursting with nightlife and culture, there’s an area of the Amsterdam region for you. Compared with other European capitals, the Amsterdam Area is relatively compact and well connected by public transport and motorways, meaning that wherever you and your family choose to live, you’re rarely more than 30 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam.

Cafés and coffee  

But of course it’s not all about the booze. Amsterdam’s burgeoning coffee culture is one of Europe’s finest, and the term ‘coffee shop’ is slowly beginning to take on a whole new meaning in the city as more and more serious bean roasters ensure that you’re never far from a lovely cuppa. For a brew with a difference, check out our guide to 10 arty coffee spots in Amsterdam, where you can enjoy a finely roasted cuppa whilst indulging in some very arty surroundings, or take a look at our favourite 15 coffee spots in Amsterdam.